The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Season or Dress Code

RSVP ready. 💃

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Season or Dress Code

Wedding invites are officially being mailed out again, which means you'll need plenty of best wedding guest dresses to wear to all the nuptials you RSVP'd “yes” to. Luckily, there's no shortage of dreamy options to start budgeting for, and we curated versatile wedding guest outfits to help you secure the perfect look—no matter what dress code or season you're shopping for.  

Once you've nailed down what you're wearing, you can then start thinking about accessorizing your look, travel arrangements if it's a destination wedding, and checking presents off the happy couple's registry. 

Whether the invite takes you to an ivy-covered terrace, majestic European villa, or hayfield surrounded by wild grasses and sweeping expanses, below you'll find a full edit of the best wedding guest dresses to shop now—and put to use year-round. 

Semi-Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

Relaxed warm-weather nuptials are arguably the easiest to shop for. Whether you're celebrating someone's big day at a beachside venue in the afternoon or a romantic garden at dusk, pretty much any kind of sundress or shirt dress will do—and the best part is that you can absolutely re-wear any one of these numbers to other outdoor weddings. Now's also the moment to embrace color and volume, with puff-sleeves, smocked bodices, and mood-boosting prints.

ASOS Design Shirred Bodice Tiered Midi Smock Dress

Dôen Souvenir Dress

Sleeper Atlanta Linen Dress

Lucy Paris Belted Toile-Print Midi Dress

Formal Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

Daring cut-outs, solid brights, and high-low hemlines are just a few details that make a summer wedding guest dress black tie-worthy. You can dial up the drama in an open-back number with a cowl neckline, or opt for a simple halter gown or A-line silhouette if you're channeling a more low-key look. As far as color goes, sorbet shades like mint green and strawberry pink are always fun to style—not to mention these feel-good hues pair seamlessly with gold accents and any kind of footwear, from crystal-embellished mules to strappy leather sandals. 

Mango Printed Halter Gown

Michael Costello x Revolve Porter Dress

Reformation Cita Dress

Staud Wells Pleated Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress

Semi-Formal Fall Wedding Guest Dresses

Step into fall with dresses that have endless layering potential under oversized blazers or ‘90s-inspired boleros. Leg-baring cocktail dresses will make moving around the dance floor a breeze, while carefully placed cutouts will keep you cool on balmy autumn nights. Dark tones, like chocolate and black, transcend seasons—and are a no-brainer for transitioning your aesthetic away from summer brights. 

Ba&sh Delize Polka Dot Midi Dress

H&M Smock-Detail Dress

English Factory Dot Puff Sleeve Minidress

Mango Vent Cotton Dress

Formal Fall Wedding Guest Dresses

A long-sleeve dress is a foolproof option for a stately autumnal affair, and the latter half of the year is the perfect time to lean into more natural hues like beige and emerald green. A balloon sleeve or wrap dress will deliver maximum comfort and ease as you navigate the dance floor (or better yet, the dessert bar). For a more dramatic entrance, try a sleeveless bodycon instead. With glossy, liquid hair pulled back in a low bun, the figure-hugging style serves up a sensual minimalism that's perfect for stepping out on a warmer-than-usual fall evening. 

Michael Costello x Revolve Fiji Midi Dress

Self-Portrait Ribbed Knit Midi Lace Dress

Never Fully Dressed White Rainbow Spot Wrap Dress

& Other Stories Voluminous Asymmetric Midi Dress

Semi-Formal Winter Wedding Guest Dresses

End-of-year ceremonies are festive and super-romantic, but as a guest, it's truly hard to feel like your best self when dressing for bitter winds and subzero temps. Knee lengths and long sleeves are excellent for layering over tights and under jackets, while moody prints and subtle cutouts offer a refreshing take on winter wedding guest style. 

Never Fully Dressed Atia Midiaxi Wrap Dress

Farm Rio Maxi Dress

Banjanan Harper Dress

Open Edit Open Back Poplin Dress

Formal Winter Wedding Guest Dresses

Embrace the holiday cheer with all-over sequins or psychedelic velvet. These eye-catching fabrics are especially great for large-scale affairs with a sizable guest list where you're encouraged (nay, expected) to bring it. If your taste leans minimalist, a voluminous silhouette with little embellishment is a no-fuss way to make a statement. 

Eloquii Striped Sequin Slip Dress

ASOS Edition Curve Sequin Wrap Midi Dress

Cos Gathered Dress

Rhode Winona Dress

Semi-Formal Spring Wedding Guest Dresses

Headed to a few low-key spring ceremonies? Swap winter's heavy materials and jewel tones for airier fabrics and pastel color palettes that read on-trend throughout the entire wedding season. A statement print dress is perfect with block-heeled sandals for a rooftop soirée, while a chiffon ruffle or slip dress will see you through a midday reception that extends into the early evening. 

Charlie Holiday Lottie Dress

Sister Jane Sideline Jacquard Mini Dress

Likely Taylor Floral Smocked & Belted Tiered Dress

Zara Floral Print Satin Effect Dress

Formal Spring Wedding Guest Dresses

When you're mentally ready for skin-baring outfits but the forecast isn't quite in full-on summer mode, opt for the next best thing: a midi or maxi dress with fluttering cap (or cape!) sleeves, which provide just enough arm coverage to bear the wind chill at the start of the season. Headed to a late May or early June wedding? A spaghetti-strap floral dress will keep your arms breezy and legs toasty as you twirl around a terrace with your plus one.

Christy Dawn The Autumn Dress

Anthropologie Floral Wrap Maxi Dress

Zara Cape Dress with Earrings Limited Edition

Andreeva Pink Flower Dress with Feather Details and Pearl Buttons

This story originally appeared on: Glamour - Author:Condé Nast